Baby it is cold outside - no kidding.

It's about as cold as ever - record breaking, bone chilling, brutal cold. We're not used to this kind of cold around here. It was 3 degrees when I left the house this morning. I just checked my phone - it's gone up 5 degrees to a balmy 8 degrees!!

While it was really cold this weekend, the sun was bright, and the cats couldn't help but lay in a sunny spot on a chair or the floor. Me? I took the opportunity to snap some photos in all that sunlight!

I made a bunch of necklaces similar to these right before Christmas, to sell at a slightly lower price than my other jewelry. I forgot to take photos of those. They are quick to make, so  I am able to make a bunch at one sitting.

The first group - I just got the Cicada wings from StDymphnaSupplies on etsy. Everything else has been in my stash for some time. The fob thingy (next to the wing) is from Trinity Brass. You can't see in my photo, but the teal beads on the Cicada wing pendant have an AB finish, kind of like bug wings sometime do.

 

 This group is virtually the same description as above, except there are some different components. The Pine Cone charm on the far right is from Trinity Brass.

 

After making these, I decided to get some ball chain from Vintaj to make them in dark brass, since it is my firm belief that everything looks better with dark brass!! (I know it's just me, but I can't help it)

 

The ball chain I bought is on a spool (the silver ones above were already 24 inch "necklaces" when I got them). I made the brass chains about the same length (24"), so they can be put on/ taken off over your head. I did not have problems getting the clasps on and off of these, but I do find them difficult sometimes. Also, I got the heavier Vintaj ball chain (3.2mm), for a richer look.

 

The charms are from Vintaj and Trinity Brass. The lighter charms are a from a new Vintaj line called "Vintaj Vogue". They come in threes. So, in "one"  package was the feather, the key and the swirly filigree feather. I then dug through my stash for the darker pieces. On the middle necklace, I used my buffing block on the filigree, to give it some highlights.

Unlike the silver necklaces above, I made a conscious decision to not add any glass or crystal, or anything shiny or colorful. Just wanted them to be neutral, and for the brass to be the focus.

 

 These three are much like the 3 above. I buffed the dragonfly, the keyhole and the little filigree drop, to highlight the texture. The bright round filigree is from my stash, from who know where.

 

 

Thanks for stopping by. Stay warm, wherever you may be!